The Arab Innovation and Investment Forum has announced plans to launch the Arab Angel Investment Network within the next six months, aiming to channel significant capital into the region’s emerging companies. The announcement was made by the forum’s Executive Director, Hany Ayad.
Quick Facts
- Launch expected within six months
- Targeting $100 million in first-year investments
- Aims to fund approximately 20 Arab startups
- Seeking to attract 40-50 angel investors
Bridging the Region’s Funding Gap
The new network is designed to address a persistent challenge in the Arab startup ecosystem: the difficulty for founders to connect with investors and, conversely, for investors to find and vet high-potential startups. Ayad explained that the initiative will create a more structured channel for communication, making it easier for investors to discover and evaluate opportunities.
The project was unveiled during a preparatory meeting for the fifth Innovest Arab Forum, which operates under the theme “Towards an Arab System for Innovation and Investment.”
First-Year Goals
In its inaugural year, the Arab Angel Investment Network has set a target of raising and deploying around $100 million. This capital is intended to back approximately 20 startups from across the Arab world.
To fuel these investments, the network will focus on bringing between 40 and 50 angel investors from various Arab countries into its fold, creating a collective force for early-stage funding.
An Initiative Born from the Innovest Arab Forum
The network is an extension of the work done by the Innovest Arab Forum, which was founded to create a unified platform for entrepreneurs, investors, private sector institutions, and government bodies. Over the past five years, the forum has engaged with over 2,000 young Arab entrepreneurs and directly supported more than 20 startups in their growth journeys.
Initially launched in Cairo, the forum has expanded its reach across several Arab nations and is now focused on strengthening its regional presence. Ayad noted that several companies participating in the forum’s programs have successfully secured investment and achieved tangible growth.
Future Focus on AI and Women Entrepreneurs
Looking ahead, the forum is placing a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence, integrating AI applications into its programs to enhance the competitiveness of startups.
Additionally, Ayad highlighted a notable increase in the participation of women in the forum’s supported projects. This has prompted the organization to develop more programs and initiatives specifically designed to support female founders in the region.
About the Arab Innovation and Investment Forum
The Arab Innovation and Investment Forum (Innovest Arab Forum) is an initiative created to build an integrated Arab ecosystem for innovation and investment. It serves as a platform that connects entrepreneurs, startups, investors, private corporations, and government entities to foster partnerships and support the growth of innovative projects across the Arab world.
Source: Fintech Gate
